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{
    "id": 1591923,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1591923/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 280,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Embakasi West, JP",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Mark Mwenje",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Hon. Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44(2)(c), I rise to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Health regarding the shortage of Polio and Bacillus Calmette- Guérin (BCG) vaccines in the Country. Vaccination of newborns is essential for development of immunity and elimination of infant mortality by protecting infants against severe and life-threatening diseases, particularly the various forms of tuberculosis (TB), including TB meningitis and miliary TB. The BCG vaccine is one of the oldest immunisations still in use globally and is a cornerstone of childhood vaccination programmes administered shortly after birth. These vaccines offer crucial early- life protection when infants are at their most vulnerable stage of development. Recent reports indicate that 12 out of 47 counties in the country have completely exhausted the stocks of key vaccines, particularly BCG and polio vaccines, and is therefore alarming. Even more concerning is the statement issued on 6th June 2025 by the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Medical Services, warning that the national stockpile of the BCG and polio vaccines were projected to last for only two weeks, while the rotavirus vaccine would run out within a month. The resultant delays in the administration of these critical vaccines can leave children unprotected, significantly exposing them to the risk of severe illness, long-term disability or premature death. Hon. Speaker, it is against this background that I request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Health on the following: 1. The immediate measures the Ministry of Health is taking to address the current shortage of Polio and BCG vaccines in the country, including the specific timelines; 2. The logistical arrangements for quick distribution of the vaccines across all counties, including plans to reach remote and underserved regions that face logistical barriers; 3. A report on coordination between the Ministry of Health and National Treasury to secure timely disbursement of funds for vaccine procurement through Gavi- Kenya, and the steps taken to meet financial commitments to Gavi-Kenya to avert future disruptions; and 4. The long-term strategies put in place to strengthen the national vaccine supply chain so as to build resilience against future disruptions in vaccine availability. I thank you, Hon. Speaker. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}